British & Irish Lions winger George North has apologised for his controversial finger-wagging gesture during his side's first Test victory over Australia last Saturday.

North put his side on course for a memorable 23-21 victory in Brisbane with the opening try of a thrilling contest and capped his outstanding score by taunting Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia.

The 21-year-old said he regretted his actions and had apologised to Lions management and his team-mates after a dressing down from tour manager Andy Irvine. "I've had a few words from various people. I've apologised and can't really explain what I did," he told PA Sport.

"I got caught up in the emotion of the try. Looking back I feel horrendous for doing it now. I'll have to live with that and take it on the chin. I've had big words from (tour manager) Andy Irvine, which was fun. Rugby's a gentleman's game and that shouldn't be involved in the game.

"Andy said that to me and I knew it as soon as I'd done it. It's very difficult to explain your emotions when you've scored a try. I know it was out of line with sportsmanship and rugby and feel terrible for that. I've had a lot of stick from the boys for doing that and am pretty sure it will go on for a while longer."